Day 1 – Amsterdam
Your journey will start in the astonishing Amsterdam, that will be adorned with twinkling lights, canals lined with beautifully preserved 17th century buildings and Christmas trees decorating historic squares. This afternoon, board your all-inclusive luxury Scenic Space-Ship and settle into your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views of ever-changing landscapes and life along the riverbanks. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening’s welcome reception.
Day 2 – Düsseldorf
Arrive, in the afternoon, in Düsseldorf, full of lively markets, festive music and the scent of mulled wine sweetening the air during the Christmas season. Enjoy a guided walking tour and its Konigsallee, lined with traditional market stalls.
Day 3 – Cologne
Continue your journey in Cologne and take the time to discover it on a walking tour. Visit the city’s centrepiece and icon, Cologne Cathedral, and its magnificent Christmas markets, where local vendors sell delicious treats, such as hot chestnuts, freshly baked gingerbread and mulled wine, and decorations.
Day 4 – Rüdesheim
Cruise into the River Gorge and look out for the Lorelei statue, dedicated to the tragic legend of a beautiful maiden, before disembarking in Rüdesheim is a town located in the Rhine Valley, known for its Riesling winemaking. Take a mini-train from the pier to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, where some 350 musical instruments from the 18th and 19th century play themselves for your enjoyment. You will have time to wander through this beautiful town before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship.
Day 5 – Mannheim
Arrive in Mannheim and transfer to Heidelberg, particularly charming at Christmas, with a traditional market and ice skating rink. Here enjoy a brief walking tour of Heidelberg, including the old town, and then enjoy ample free time to explore on your own. Or, as well as a guided tour of Heidelberg, visit Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps, and explore its courtyard and balcony, that offers an incredible view. Tonight, enjoy a private evening concert at Bruchsal Palace.
Day 6 – Strasbourg
Located on the border between France and Germany, Strasbourg is home to traditional markets as well as the largest natural Christmas tree in Europe, standing over 30 metres tall in Place Kléber. Today, choose to join your local guide on a walking tour of the city, visiting the cathedral and the charming Petit France district, or learn about Alsace Christmas Beer traditions during a tasting in a local brewery.
Day 7 – Basel (Huningue)
Continue your journey in Basel, the cultural capital of Switzerland, outstanding thanks to the beautifully decorated Old Town glows with twinkling lights, the scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine drifts from the traditional Christmas markets on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz. Enjoy the city with a guided tour or immerse yourself in a sweet Basel tradition at a Läckerli baking workshop, where you’ll learn the art of crafting these iconic spiced honey cookies.
Day 8 – Basel (Huningue), Zurich
After breakfast, today you will be transferred to Zurich airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking with you a lifetime of magical memories of Christmas in Europe. Please book your flight to depart out of Zurich after 11:30 AM.
